News

Castelvecchio flies to win inaugural Inglis Millennium

9th Feb 2019

Castelvecchio - a colt “destined for big things’’ by an up-and-coming stallion described as “the new Zabeel’’ – today won the inaugural running of the $2m Listed Inglis Millennium at Warwick Farm.

Trained by young horseman Richard Litt, Castelvecchio (Dundeel x St. Therese) came from the tail of the field to run down favourite Accession in the shadows of the post.

The 2YO colt cost his owner Ottavio Galletta of Galletta Constructions $150,000 at last year’s Classic Yearling Sale, where he was offered by Arrowfield Stud.

Castelvecchio’s Smart Missile half sister Maid Of Heaven was sold at the 2017 Classic Sale, also by Arrowfield.

Arrowfield’s Jon Freyer couldn’t have been prouder of Castelvecchio or his sire Dundeel, who he had the highest of praise for.

“He’s the new Zabeel, that’s what he is,’’ Freyer said of Dundeel, whose second crop are racing now.

“We’re so excited by him. He’s got the favourite for the NZ Derby, he’s already won a Derby in South Africa, there’s this horse today, already multiple Stakes winners. Wow.’’

Freyer described Castelvecchio, who is undefeated after two race starts, as a colt “that could be one absolutely out of the box’’.

“We’re delighted Ottavio bought him, he’s been a loyal client of the farm for a long time and it’s such a thrill to see him win,’’ Freyer said.

“The horse is a magnificent colt, he’s destined for big things.’’

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There are 23 progeny of Dundeel catalogued for the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, which begins at Riverside Stables at 6pm tonight.

To view the Classic catalogue, CLICK HERE.

Castelvecchio firmed into $15 for the Group 1 Golden Slipper following today’s Millennium victory, but trainer Litt remains undecided what path his star juvenile will take in what is his first preparation.

“Ottavio is the boss but the Inglis Sires is probably the best bet at this stage,’’ Litt said.

“He’s nominated for the Slipper but we won’t push him. We’ll take our time and see where he takes us.’’

Litt received a pair of Swarovski binoculars after the race, for being the winning trainer of an Inglis Race Series event.